Musicality and Artistry Lives on in the U.S>

Since the introduction of IJS many have complained that skating has been put in a box. Skating with the emphasis on Musicality and Artistry lives on.

There is a growing program in the United States and Canada that emphasizes the musicality and artistic aspects of skating. In 1974 the Los Angeles Figure Skating Club created a competition called Showcase.

This competition is held in a darkened arena with spotlights following the skaters performance. The Judging system allows for only one mark. Judges are instructed to not give credit for technical elements such as multi revolution jumps. The one mark given is for presentation and showmanship. LA Showcase for skaters has continued every year since it creation.

Showcase categories offered are Light Entertainment and Dramatic Entertainment. A third category offered is Extemporaneous, where skaters perform to music introduced to them just before taking the ice.

In 1994 a National Showcase competition was created, with skaters qualifying by placing in an artistic or Showcase competition during the previous. Year.

National Showcase 2012 has set the record for the largest number of entries. There were more than 400 skaters with many entering more than one category. Three 18-hour days were needed to accommodate the large number of entrants. Results can be found by going to the Escondido Figure skating Club Web site.